How far we have come since the civil war where the Union Regiments were allowed to vote - and their votes counted.
Love & Valor
Intimate Civil War Letters Between Captain Jacob & Emeline Ritner
Camp 25th Iowa Infantry
Near Vinings Station, Georgia
Morning November 9, 1864
"......Well, we had an election yesterday, and elected Old Abe with a perfect rush. I acted as one of the judges of selection. Our Regiment poled 338 votes, 323 for Lincoln and 15 for McClellan. I think it was doing first rate. McClellen only got one vote from Henry Co. in the 25th and none in Company B. Our Brigade the 4th, 9th, 25th, 30th and 31st Iowa - gave Lincoln about 1,325, McClellen 101. We are all highly pleased with the result and hope the folks at home have done their duty as well.
The paymaster is still fooling around and has not paid us yet. He is slower than the 7-year itch and as mean..............."
It is interesting to note the numbers. 338 in a Regiment and under 1,500 for a 5 Regiment Brigade. Not because the others didn't vote - but because thats all there was. And the paymaster
They were getting ready for the march to the sea.